toxxicduck's reviews
111 reviews

Reading this as an impressionable young teen in maybe 2006 or near, I was utterly smacked by this story. I do believe it aided in my overall fascination for psychology especially around crime and drugs. Even then it was well-known that it is indeed a work of fiction, but even pretending to think of it as real made it more interesting.

Now that I am older, wiser, and have a deeper understanding of US history and how propaganda and sensationalism work, AND that this book, plus the other ones written by Beatrice Sparks, all participated in the unhinged fearmongering of all drugs and other “unsavory” topics that has shaped our cultures stigmas toward such things and how our current legal and mental health/addiction systems work and exploit us all…. seeing the cover just makes me rather angry and sick. My long and probably unnecessary review is probably my inner teenager needing to vent about this, I have taken it very personal. XD

While this book can give you a look into that dark world, you should read other similar books about it that are actually true, like Tweak by Nic Sheff, among others. At least to get a real perspective and not the “reefer madness weed is the devil!” one haha. 

The 2 stars (instead of 1) is to not discount my original fascination haha though I know I was captured by the sensationalism. Without my biases, it is interesting enough and does offer something to reflect on. My principles just kind of want all of Beatrice Sparks work to be thrown into the fire… Ok maybe not the books, but HER for sure. :)